While the admissions committee is highly selective, the essay portion of the application is surprisingly open-ended.

For the class of 2018, Harvard is only asking one essay question, says Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, which helps clients earn admission to top MBA programs. Here's the question:

It's the first day of class at HBS. You are in Aldrich Hall meeting your "section." This is the group of 90 classmates who will become your close companions in the first-year MBA classroom. Our signature case method participant-based learning model ensures that you will get to know each other very well. The bonds you collectively create throughout this shared experience will be lasting. Introduce yourself.

"The goal of this essay is to know yourself, know HBS, and know how to match the two to demonstrate your fit for the school as you introduce yourself to your classmates," says Blackman.

HBS doesn't impose a word limit, but she recommends keeping your answer to a concise 1,200 words or less.

Your first priority should be evaluating all aspects of your candidacy,Blackman says, including: The story your resume tells; what your recommendations would say about you, and how your transcript communicates your skills, accomplishments, and interests.

To successfully sell yourself, discipline is crucial. You should pick two or three personality traits that you possess and are able to back up with concrete anecdotes, Blackman says. Leadership is the "big kahuna" at HBS, so telling the story of an accomplishment you've made as a leader is a good idea. Admissions also looks for traits like initiative, maturity, being solutions-oriented, and having self-awareness, she says.

Keep in mind, however, that while you're submitting your essay to the admissions committee, the purpose is to introduce yourself to your fellow classmates. "You shouldn't be focused on impressing your teacher or the committee," Blackman says. "Your audience is your peers — the people that you'll be developing lifelong bonds with."

While explaining what you bring to the table and your experience is key, it's important not to fall into an explanation of "why HBS?" Blackman says. "HBS admissions is quite clear on the value of an HBS degree, and they would rather see you use the space to provide more information about yourself and your candidacy."